One of the most popular activities in Texas, especially during the summer months, is boating. According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Texas has more than 500,000 registered boats in the state. With so many boats on Texas lakes, gulfs and rivers, it is no shock that boating accidents frequently occur.
Boating accidents are often caused by negligence. This is when the boating operator knew of should have known that the act was unsafe and could cause harm or injury to another. Some of the most common boating accidents include:
- Inexperience,
- Inattention,
- Speeding,
- Reckless operation,
- Operating the boat while impaired by drugs or alcohol,
- Equipment failure, and
- Weather
Around half of reported boating accidents are caused from boating while intoxicated. A lot of people enjoy drinking while on boats; there’s sun, wind blowing, music, and friends/family, so why not? Regardless, the driver of the vessel should never be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Boat operators must follow local, state, and federal laws that apply. This includes providing life vests for all passengers and providing a safe vessel for all those aboard. If an accident occurs while on a boat, the incident must be reported if property damages reach more than $2k, injuries or fatalities occur, when a passenger goes missing, and if the boat is destroyed. The most common types of boat incidents include:
- Collision between two boats,
- Collison between a boat and a fixed object,
- Collision with a swimmer or floating object,
- Running aground (boat hitting land),
- Fire,
- Explosion,
- Capsizing, OR
- Man overboard
The U.S. Coast Guard in coordination with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department work to enforce the law, report incidents and provide search and rescue missions when needed.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a boating accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Call (713) 524-8139 or go online to set up a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney at Pusch and Nguyen Law Firm. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing until your case is settled.
